Gear Hunter

Universal Audio - SPHERE-L22

Description

The Sphere L22 microphone system from Townsend Labs models the characteristics of the most sought-after large-diaphragm condenser microphones with amazing accuracy, and allows selection of different mics and patterns even after tracking.

The Sphere L22 system consists of a dedicated, dual-channel microphone and its software counterpart, the included Sphere plug-in. The exacting models incorporate transient response, harmonics, proximity effect, and multi-dimensional polar response. Thanks to Townsend Labs' exhaustive and curated study of classic microphones, the Sphere system currently brings the soul of 34 of the world's most revered microphones to life, in the included Sphere plug-in (UAD, AAX DSP, AAX Native, VST, AU).

What the Sphere L22 can do:

• Record with the sound of some of the most prized microphones of all time, including a 47 (with VF14 tube), a 67, an M49, and a C12


• Change mic type, polar pattern, and other microphone characteristics, even after tracking!


• Audition the sound of different microphones without tiring the vocalist


• Reduce bleed, undesirable room coloration, and other common issues using Off-Axis Correction


• Record in stereo from a single microphone

Sphere L22 Microphone
The Sphere system employs the high-resolution, dual-channel L22 large-diaphragm condenser microphone, custom designed to capture the three-dimensional soundfield with exacting detail. Manufactured to extremely tight tolerances, the L22 ensures that modeling is consistent and accurate.

Realtime UAD Processing
With the Universal Audio Apollo, achieve extremely low latency (approx. 1.6ms round trip at 96kHz) for guaranteed real-time performance. Also supports AAX DSP, AAX Native, VST and AU.

Polar Pattern Modeling
Because Sphere captures the three-dimensional response of target microphones, it precisely emulates the polar patterns and other off-axis characteristics of vintage microphones which are essential to their unique sound.

Record In Stereo (With One Mic)
With just one Sphere L22 mic its possible to make coincident stereo recordings, and even have different mic models on the left and right channels, using the Sphere 180 plug-in.

Low Noise
The microphone hardware has a self-noise level of 7dB-A SPL, well below most vintage microphones and comparable to many of the best modern microphones.

High SPL Handling
The L22 can handle in excess of 140dB SPL before clipping and is remarkably rugged. It wont be damaged by high SPLs or air blasts as some vintage microphones can be.

Sphere L22 Microphone Specs:

Equivalent Noise Level: 7 dB-A
Max SPL at 0.5% THD: 140dB (with -20dB pad engaged)
Pad Attenuation: -10db and -20dB
Sensitivity: 22 mV/Pa
Output Connector: 5-pin male XLR
Breakout Cable: 10' (3m) 5-pin female XLR to dual 3-pin male XLR
Weight (mic only): 1.7 lbs. (770 grams)
Dimensions (mic only): 8.9" x 2.5" (225mm x 63mm)
Output Impedance: 200 Ohms
Recommended Load Impedance: > 1000 Ohms
Phantom Power
Voltage: 44 to 52 V per channel
Current: 5 mA per channel typical, 8 mA at max SPL

Sphere Plug-in
* Sphere DSP algorithms - accurately models a wide range of the most sought-after microphones in the world.
* Re-Mic technology - allows the user to change the mic type and polar pattern even after tracking.
* New patented features - including Off-Axis Correction, which can produce more accurate polar patterns for reduced bleed, room coloration, and feedback.
* Supports a wide range of plug-in formats - UAD, AAX DSP, AAX Native, VST, AU, on both Mac and Windows. Voucher included for free UAD Sphere plug-in.